Skiing at Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in North America. Experienced skiers are drawn to the expert runs comprising nearly half of the terrain and the 1,000 acres of skiable backcountry areas.

Road Conditions

Fall Transition at Mount Rainier

DATE: 10/3/12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-_-_
Warm sunny days, mild temperatures and cool nights are ushering in the Fall
colors at Mount Rainier for visitors to enjoy. For the Mount Rainier staff
that means it is time to begin the annual winterization of seasonal areas
(Sunrise, White River, Ohanapecosh, Box Canyon) before the winter snows
begin. With the upcoming Columbus Day holiday on October 8, that process
is getting underway.

State Routes 123 and 410 remain open providing great opportunities for
visitors to see the fall colors. While the Stevens Canyon Road is closed
to through traffic for construction work, visitors can still access
Backbone Ridge, Box Canyon and adjacent trailheads via the East Entrance
near State Route 123. Wonderland Trail hikers as well as day hikers will be
permitted to hike through the construction zone to access adjacent trails.
On the Paradise side the road is closed from just east of the intersection
with the Paradise Valley Road to the east end of the tunnel at Box Canyon.
.
Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Campgrounds will be open through Monday October
8. White River Campground is closed. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, Henry
M. Jackson Visitor Center, and Longmire and White River Wilderness
Information Centers will also remain open through that date. The road to
Sunrise will remain open through that date, then closed to vehicle traffic
at the White River Campground gate. Bicyclists and hikers will be allowed
to continue to use the road unless otherwise posted. All facilities except
for a vault toilet at Sunrise, will be closed.

At Paradise, the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, Paradise Camp Deli and
Gift Shop will transition to their winter schedule opening on weekends and
holidays only. Visitor Center hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The
historic Paradise Inn closed for the season on October 1.

The National Park Inn and General Store and the Longmire Museum are open
daily throughout the year, providing overnight accommodations, dining,
gifts, and visitor information. A great weekday or weekend getaway to
enjoy some quiet time. To make reservations at the National Park Inn call
360-569-2275, or go online to www.mtrainierguestservices.com.

Most businesses in the gateway communities surrounding the park do remain
open throughout the fall and winter offering a variety of services and
activities for the public to enjoy. For online information on visitor
services, accommodations and activities in these communities visit the
following websites: visitrainier.com, www.mt-rainier.com,
www.staycrystal.com, www.destinationpackwood.com, www.minerallake.com.

Even though current conditions are exceptionally mild, park visitors are
reminded that weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains during
this time of the year. Be prepared for inclement weather or possible ice
and snow on park roads.

Effective November 1, all vehicles (including 4-wheel and all-wheel-drive)
are required to carry tire chains that fit your vehicle, while in the park.

Event Details

Event Details

The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on-board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, like the movie, is a 90-minute roundtrip immersive theatrical experience. Passengers will be entertained by Chefs, enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies, and listen to a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and give each child the first gift of Christmas (a silver bell). This event will surely become an annual tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas!

All tickets are for reserved seats, allowing your party to select their configuration of seats together. All of our coaches are heated. Restrooms are available at the train depot, with limited restrooms available on the train. Standard Class train coaches are Tacoma Rail cars representative of the 1950’s era Amtrak passengers cars with comfortable front-facing upholstered seats in paired rows. First Class vintage Olympian Hiawatha cars feature table-and-chair configuration, which allows for parties of 4 to sit facing each other. In Standard Class, hot chocolate is served with a cookie, the cocoa is in a disposable mug. First Class includes a collector’s edition souvenir mug with your hot chocolate and cookie. The mug is exclusively available to First Class passengers and cannot be found in stores.